Rock music has always had a rebellious streak, and Chattanooga duo HIVESONG are putting theirs to good use. Their latest single, “Bad Believer,” takes aim at hypocrisy, judgment and the uncomfortable territory where personal beliefs become a means of controlling others. It’s a confrontational subject, but one that fits naturally with the band’s unapologetic approach to rock and roll.
Made up of Kuyper and Austen, HIVESONG combine hard rock and alternative rock with the swagger of classic rock. Big guitar riffs, a theatrical image and a willingness to tackle difficult subjects have helped establish their identity since launching in 2025. Behind that sound are two experienced musicians whose backgrounds extend well beyond the band itself.
Kuyper has spent more than three decades playing music, including classical guitar studies and a degree in Jazz Performance. Austen brings nearly two decades of recording and performance experience, alongside a background in classical piano, songwriting and production. Together, they have more than 50 years of musical experience, which gives HIVESONG a strong foundation for their ambitious sound.
With “Bad Believer,” however, it’s the message that takes centre stage. The song was born on the day the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, when conversations surrounding personal freedom and the influence of religious beliefs on legislation were particularly immediate. Rather than approaching the subject as a criticism of religion itself, HIVESONG wanted to address the contradiction of people claiming moral authority while treating others in ways that appear to oppose their professed values.
The result is a song driven by anger, defiance and a deliberately sardonic attitude. Its central idea is simple: believing something does not automatically give someone the right to impose it on everybody else.
That frustration also shaped the songwriting process. Once the duo landed on the phrase “bad believer,” the track came together quickly, with a chorus designed to feel almost taunting. There’s little interest in politely winning an argument here. Instead, the song expresses the satisfaction of refusing to accept somebody else’s judgment.
It’s another example of HIVESONG using their music to explore contemporary frustrations. Their earlier track “Electric Fever” examined technology, screen addiction and the isolation that can exist despite constant digital connection.
That willingness to explore different subjects has accompanied growing streaming success. Their Spotify catalogue now includes “The Funny Thing Is…” with over 73,000 streams, “Electric Fever” with more than 50,000, and “Love is Pain” and “Don’t Hide It,” both exceeding 21,000. The duo have also reached approximately 14,500 monthly listeners.
For a relatively new independent project, that momentum is encouraging, particularly as HIVESONG continue establishing themselves beyond their musical backgrounds.
“Bad Believer” adds another outspoken chapter to their catalogue. It’s rock music with something to say, delivered by a duo who clearly aren’t afraid of making their opinions heard.
